Cohousing project rejected in Qualicum Beach

The Aldermuir cohousing project in Qualicum Beach is dead again, for the moment.

“The Aldermuir group will continue, more than ever,” said Gary Morrison, president and founder of the Vancouver based Livewell Cohousing after a Qualicum Beach committee of the whole meeting Thursday in which council recommended rejecting their development proposal.

“But at this moment we’ll all take the weekend off, enjoy the sunshine and think about options and next steps,” he said.

After concerns about setbacks from a protected wetland at the previous council meeting, proponents reduced the proposal from 61 to 52 units and increased the setbacks on the 20-acre property at the corner of Laburnum and Claymore roads.

Coun. Anne Skipsey said the proposal goes against the town’s OCP and council’s commitment to the environment.

Council voted 4-1, refusing to forward the rezoning application onto the next regular council meeting.